#1stchat Archive
Weekly chat for excited 1st grade teachers who love to learn and share ideas. Participants are interested in a variety of topics including literacy, math, technology, play, inquiry, and being the best educators they can be!
Sunday September 11, 2016
Hi Claire here from Vermont! This was a beautiful fall weekend. Happy to be here with all my 1st chat friends.
Happy Sunday! It's time for . I'm Val from Michigan and I'm co-hosting with the amazing tonight.
Hello! Leka from Iowa co-hosting with the incredible
Happy Sunday Traci here from KS
Hi! Megan from FL! Haven't been here in a long time, but happy to be back as a married woman! :)
Hi everyone! Angela, from Alberta excited to be joining tonight!
just requested permission
Please tell us who you are, where you are from and what you teach!
Hey, Traci! How are you this evening?
Hi Traci, glad you are here.
Hi! Cassie from MN checking in
Hi Megan, welcome back and congrats!
Hello! Jen from MN...gearing up for Week 2...will be in and out tonight
Hi everyone! Michelle from Illinois
Jen here, from Batavia,IL.
Hi Angela, glad you are joining us.
Hi Jen, glad you are here.
Hello, Megan! Beautiful profile pic!
Hi Kelly, so glad you are here.
Thanks Excited to be back!
Hi, Angela! Glad you are joining us!
Hi! Tracey from Texas. Glad to be chatting tonight.
Hi, Jen! Glad you are here!
Hi Michelle, glad to see you tonight!
Hi Jen, glad you are here tonight!
Hi, Jen! Glad you are here!
Hi Tracey, so glad you are here.
Hello, Kelly! How is your year going?
Hi, Tracey! How are you tonight?
Good evening friends. Hope everyone is having a great weekend. I am Terry, a 3rd gr T who still loves this PLN
Hi! Renee White from NC. Excited to be back!
Question 1 will be on deck in 2 minutes!
Hi, Claire! Glad to see you!
Hi friends! Back to school craziness has begun!
Claire in first Happy to be here from Vermont.
Hi, Renee! Great to see you!
Hi Claire, glad you are here.
Hi, Jess! Great to see you!
Hi Here for a bit. Faige retired kinder teacher in LA enjoying the cooling trend. Hope it lasts. Now if only the rain would come
Tonight we are discussing a Culture for Learning! Q1 is coming up!
Georgina from SoCal, excited to be joining tonight
So far it's good. and I have a new teaching partner this year! Trying to get her to do
Hi Georgina, good to see you tonight!
Hi, Faige! Always good to have a retired teacher with us!
Q1 With at least 1 week under your belts, how would you describe your current reality in the classroom using just "one" word?
Great! I've had a nice, relaxing weekend. You?
Hi Faige, glad you are here.
Hey, Georgina! Great to see you!
I'm sure with you two's enthusiasm it will be easy:)
Good evening friends. Karen from Vancouver, Canada.
Great topic in happening now!
A1 My one word is challenging!
Love this question and the one word parameter https://t.co/I0PHCIXdGH
Q1 With at least 1 week under your belts, how would you describe your current reality in the classroom using just "one" word?
A1: Adventurous (loving the teaming with )
Hi Karen, glad to see you tonight!
So true! I can't wait for everything to settle in...still busy but routine (usually!)!
A1: Organized (we have been in school for a month now)
I'm Allison a PK teacher but love learning from participants
Many do Why not as you walk? LOL
Lucky! I can't wait for that!
I was trying to find a word like yours....I love it!
Can't wait to get Organized!
Hi! Amy from NC here. Can anyone join?
A1: evolving (To more S lead & innovative: This is our 7th wk)
A1: One word to describe my current PK class: progressing
Hi Allison, glad you are here.
A1 meetings. We have required learning plan meetings to get through first for every student in the program.
A1 Uncertain. I subbed in a music class and I'm not sure who was more "uncertain" the kinders I had or me!
It's taken the entire month, but we are finally in our routine and it's great! https://t.co/m93DphwlMa
Lucky! I can't wait for that!
Sure Amy! All are welcome!
yes Amy! Join in friend! 😊
A1 14 boys and 6 very quiet girls... making sure I get to know the girls ASAP!
A1: I want to change my answer... Experimental.
Evolving! I love that word. I'm going to use that instead of challenging. https://t.co/J5ui3pUU3x
A1: evolving (To more S lead & innovative: This is our 7th wk)
A1 Energized! The positive energy in the building is motivating!
Karen, we've had a lot of meetings as well.
I wish that I could use your word to describe my class.
I have 14 boys as well but only 4 girls. Very different this year! lol https://t.co/nECozXFjpP
A1 14 boys and 6 very quiet girls... making sure I get to know the girls ASAP!
I'm hoping we will get there... https://t.co/uZ5VmxfRpg
A1: evolving (To more S lead & innovative: This is our 7th wk)
I bet that didn't know that you were uncertain as well. You had something in common!
I haven't had students yet...
LOL "steadfast" sign on my avatar
lucky, 20 is a good number
Yes, just a bit! We always seem to turn a corner in the right direction so I'm hopeful, too.
A1: My one word is bumpy.
Loving all of the conversation on words to describe your year so far. Seeing lots of growth mindset opportunities
yes. it doesn't sound like it though:)
Things will settle in once everyone knows the routines.
Bumpy was my year last year but reflecting back it was really great. You'll get this.
That's a good one. I changed my answer too.
Also thankful (for Daily 5 and building stamina)! :)
I've loved watching our learning and stamina grow already! https://t.co/I068djXHc3
Also thankful (for Daily 5 and building stamina)! :)
is been many years since I've had 20 but my first year 16B and 4G it was a great year!
I've been in school since August 10th just a lot going on Including 2 hurricane days. Hoping to smooth out. https://t.co/ptYmyD8GaA
Things will settle in once everyone knows the routines.
It's a great framework and helps students find the joy in reading
Sounds like lots of learning to me:) Smooth is when I don't do much growing as professional:) https://t.co/d8AG754tuE
A1: My one word is bumpy.
Yes! We have a lot of positive energy this year. About half of our staff are new to our building this year! https://t.co/VdUq8lgJcw
A1 Energized! The positive energy in the building is motivating!
and THANKFUL for an AMAZING team ()
I have 20 this year...11 girls and 9 boys
I see…that explains it then:)
Yes! And we introduce Math Daily 5 at the same time, so their stamina is being practiced twice!
that's way better than my 27:/
Q2 What are some routines and/or structures you use to build classroom community?
I agree on stamina. We hit seven minutes on Friday
A2 I do what I can to help build a culture of kindness and respect.
oh no! :( how many days have you been back?
A2: intentional class meetings this year using the Mindful Learning book study this summer and the Energy Bus for Kids as a guide
A2 We do a morning circle sharing time every morning. We learn a lot about each other.
I love the successes we're able to celebrate!
that's what I was trying to think of, good one!
A2 Lots of time being spent building relationships and a community of trust.
A2 My students are in love with our "lightening round" for sharing news during morning meetings.
We were lucky to create a 1/2 split so my were lower. Very grateful for my 1st year of 1st!
A2-Small group rotations and class meetings are a couple
A2:I like to highlight correct procedures in the closing of lessons. I just do not focus on my mini lesson.
A2 I also would like to do "Identity Day" to dig deeper into Ss passion. Anyone has done it or similar?
A2: Using the idea of buidling stamina we work at introducing daily 5 as well as guided math stations.
A2: Morning Meeting, closing circle, polka dot pals (sharing)
my ss are greeting each other daily, and surprisingly it's not an easy skills, practice practice
A2 morning starts w/exploration/play building friendships then eases into RC morning meeting.
:) any special prop for that!
A2 Last week after reading the book, Chrysanthemum, students shared how they got their names and then added name to word wall.
What is identity day? Is it similar to Genius Hour?
I have star students all throughout the year, they get a small amount of day each day for a week. https://t.co/WBlXRzK6D6
A2 I also would like to do "Identity Day" to dig deeper into Ss passion. Anyone has done it or similar?
A2: Our hour of empower has kicked off nicely. It is nice watching my core group assist my new group.
A2: I've been doing a short response morning work to get them thinking and then we share our thoughts. It's been great!
Tell me more about Polka Dot Pals please.
Yes, a small ball that glows as you pass it.
A2: working together to build stamina for guided reading. Also, routines during math
A2: Different bell work writing & share. is a big one where Ss toot each other's horns for something positive.
A2: I'm loving the math talks as well. Love to hear my students reason with numbers.
Another great book that has global ties is The Name Jar. Great for first weeks of school.
A2: Morning meetings, WBT, how full is your bucket, Zones of Regulations, centers, ask 3 before me, flexible seating
no more like presentation about themselves.
A2: We are focusing on how to have conversations with our learning buddies.
Was thinking Name Jar too!
A2 Morning Meeting, Sharing at the end of writer's workshop
A2: Also... Just talk to my Ss at recess in AM arrival and see how they are, share commonalities, wonders, stories, etc.
I love that! It's a different twist on the kindness recorder. https://t.co/syz91J0Y17
A2: Different bell work writing & share. is a big one where Ss toot each other's horns for something positive.
I just started Math Talks, and my students love it!
Polka dots taped to the floor (tile) & Ss sit on either side of it with it in between. It's their sharing buddy!
we read Chyrsanthemum too and looked at names. I love the sharing part you did. Adding that to lesson so I won't forget
A2 build classroom community is such an a important aspect I love community circles games
Loved reading that book. Such a gr8 lead in to many discussions building on kindness & kid's background
Missing this this year. My change in schedule makes this hard to do. One of the problems I need to solve https://t.co/B09xbo0nSD
A2 We do a morning circle sharing time every morning. We learn a lot about each other.
yes, days away make it challenging. Hang in there
I'm intrigued! I'm trying with my Ss, but I'd love to hear more about Identity Day.
yes! Then Ss chose some to tweet out via the classroom Twitter account each Tuesday.
Looking forward to reading Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed and how small kindness can go far.
I do morning meeting every day...M-talk about what they did on weekend, TWTH we play get to know you games.
As I try to give them more say...that takes time and adjustment. But it is a good thing.
Could you do an after lunch or afternoon before we go circle? Maybe after a transition.
Terry it will be all worth it in the end. Letting go is never easy but SO WORTH it!
will have to check this one out
A2 We also introduced the "Safe Place" last week and students are starting to use it.
- cute idea .. love the alliteration
Yes, I think I know when it will fit in...just need to make it a pattern. https://t.co/PjE3W9SQ1j
Could you do an after lunch or afternoon before we go circle? Maybe after a transition.
A2: Will be leaving our mark & sharing them on on Wednesday for
Tell us more about it! https://t.co/oOZq3SFqa8
A2 We also introduced the "Safe Place" last week and students are starting to use it.
I do this too! Great minds!
yes, listening to their ideas and stories lets them know we care for them
Easy to let go... I didn't think of the time it takes to allow 20 voices to make the decisions. https://t.co/Go9qWrXMoW
Terry it will be all worth it in the end. Letting go is never easy but SO WORTH it!
There are a few written that are similar about how one small act of kindness can have big effect.
A2 Also planning to do a first-grade-friendly "Interest Inventory" this week to see how they feel about different subjects.
A2: Introduced calm down basket to help us get through stressful & frustrating times. Ss are using it and referring others to it!
It's my activity this week - I follow up with a "Name story Class Book" love the unique names and identity https://t.co/nmaS46LCZ2
A2 Last week after reading the book, Chrysanthemum, students shared how they got their names and then added name to word wall.
Q3 What questions/phrases do you plan to try to change the language in your classrooms? Think growth mindset & lang of community.
Voice will be more focussed on on task. Talk to the about the time it takes to make decisions. Why? How can we improve?
Safe Place is a cozy chair in the room where they can go to have few minutes away from their peers when sad, mad, etc.
Like I said you totally will have this.
A3: Year two of using the word yet a lot, encouraging the process, looking for things such as empathy, persistence, etc
One of my favorite Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson So many layers of missed kindness & then 2late
A3: Using 's growth mindset videos this week looking at how mistakes can help us learn & I love "yet" phrase too!
We did 1st. Grade Experts - kids identified an area of interest in which they are experts - decorated paper figures to represent
I used to do this in older grades, do you have a first-grade ready example by any chance?
A3: really trying to focus on the stances we learned from Mindful Learning, started with Optimism and have used it daily with ex.
This is a super-duper idea! Love the title I'm trying it this Tuesday...Thanks for the idea
Do you have any photos or blog post? Very curious!
A3: Once our classroom is more into a routine, I want to focus on "yet."
Yet is a very powerful word! Love it!
A3 Using language that promotes community such as, "WE are going to…" and "In OUR classroom we…"
A3: been in school for 3+weeks & have intro'd Power of Yet, persistence, flexible, and empathy. Ps have said Ss are using @ home
A3: Watched videos on & used bulletin board for Ss come up w own changed phrases in diff subj areas &added to board.
A3 How can you help (yourself/others)? Trying to teach they are the ones who can make difference.
I am totally embracing it and excited . I don't think it is something you can capture, but constant growth. https://t.co/FoGJGgun1y
Like I said you totally will have this.
A3 We've been working on the idea of learning from mistakes. We just brainstormed a list of things to say when you make a mistake.
Send me a DM and I will send it to you.
A3: I talk with the kids about goals and monitoring progress using those words with examples that mean something to them.
Used lessons to build growth mindsets for math
A3 The first 2 weeks were rather hectic:) Want to bring in more Growth mindset stances to discussions.
A3: Power of "yet" phrase & Shakiras "Try Everything" song are big in our class.
Have to run, daughter needs me. Thank you for being so welcoming!
A3: We are focusing on the power of discussion. Using phrases like I agree with___ because or I disagree because.
Also introducing the stances. We've been working on optimism.
Love that...promoting independent learners. https://t.co/6siDgZcEPi
A3 How can you help (yourself/others)? Trying to teach they are the ones who can make difference.
Hi Everybody!!! Sara from WI. Sorry I'm late- just got home from our cabin! Hope everyone is off to a great start this year
Yes, I'd agree. But take the time to reflect back. When you're in it you don't always see how far you've come.
Trying to get them to think different but know that it's okay to have a different opinion
start now, it will help them w/routine b/c I can't do it YET
We have the Calming Corner.
A3- terms from Mindful Learning -Optimism-Persistence-Resilience-Empathy-Flexibility started with Optimism Ss are on board
my pleasure! Add your toots to the Twitter too!
A3: Modeling through sentence starters like "I feel" or "I noticed" and "I know"
Hi, Sara! Great to see you!
A3 Saying, "You really worked hard on that" instead of that's good or great.
Ooh! I totally want to use "Try Everything"! Love it!
Lots of praise for "perserverence"! Also, framing mistakes as opportunities for learning.
Just finished Thursday, then had Parent Night, followed by Getting Acquainted Conferences. Will take pics this week.
A3 Asking, "What makes you say that?" is another way to help them to elaborate on their thinking.
Also changed "take a break" to "Quiet Place." It has calming jars with fun chairs to sit in.
Yes! Giving specific feedback to Ss is SO important&teaching Ss to do same is huge in digital citizenship. https://t.co/M4rjRgr60l
A3 Saying, "You really worked hard on that" instead of that's good or great.
A3 Often I simply say, "Thank you for doing that or sharing that."
and praising & acknowledging Ss for encouraging others in the stances.
A3 When students answer, follow with "What do you guys think?" I'm not the one to tell right or wrong.
Q4 What are some examples of "purposeful" activities that you plan to have your students engage in this year?
😄Every Friday we blast it for bell work. motivational song this yr!
A3: We are talking A LOT about First Attempts In Learning & choosing kind.
Have to dip out early! :( It's great to be back with all of you! Thanks!
I really like the name... Calming Corner!
- I'm adding this song to our iTunes accounts .. :)
I love it! I am stealing that this week:) It will go perfectly with
I really want to work on Ss driven goals and having them track progress https://t.co/Un878aGAdm
Q4 What are some examples of "purposeful" activities that you plan to have your students engage in this year?
A3 words count & matter. Take time 2listen when kids try 2explain. Safe Place/Quiet Place instead of time out or take a break
I'm trying this as well. Trying student driven conferences for the 1st time. https://t.co/MVj10FohUl
I really want to work on Ss driven goals and having them track progress https://t.co/Un878aGAdm
Q4 What are some examples of "purposeful" activities that you plan to have your students engage in this year?
...Joining late!! Getting into the routine of chatting again with this awesome PLN!
A4 Lots of group work. Counting, creating, drawing together. My ss do really well this year. It wasn't the case last year:)
When I plan or GHO I want it to be purposeful. Also, collaboration. has been a great T of me for this.
A4: Setting goals, recognizing their beautiful oops's, learning to comment on others work appropriately,FAIL forward
A4 I'm really looking carefully at objectives. Want to make sure activities are purposeful.
A4:Purposeful activities focusing on helping our school community members like make cards for lunchroom, bake cookies for custodian
A4: I want to have my students communicate with a class outside of our school using technology.
Joining late. Trying to catch up on ?s
A4: I'm planning projects, & that will link subject areas with students wonderings
Oh man..super late tonight! Love what I'm seeing as I catch up!
A4 Digging deeper with "WHY" having students understand why we do what we do. https://t.co/mIULzwkKGO
A4 I'm really looking carefully at objectives. Want to make sure activities are purposeful.
Yes! The "why" is so important. https://t.co/PKJBiczAC0
A4 Digging deeper with "WHY" having students understand why we do what we do. https://t.co/mIULzwkKGO
A4 I'm really looking carefully at objectives. Want to make sure activities are purposeful.
Using and book I will be more purposeful with iPad and showing understanding of learning!
Feeling out of the loop tonight. Many answers require me to have a know my students. We aren't there yet...
Look into using blogs or joining a
A4 Also, looking at where and when I can get more guided reading groups in so that kids are double-dipped.
A4: To give Ss real world learning they could actually apply in their lives.
That's awesome to here! Thank you!
A4: Use "I can" statements (even with simple activities) to assist ss in knowing the 'why' behind the activities performed.
I feel like I could use another 2-3 hours to get everything in lol https://t.co/nOeZfy6UOB
A4 Also, looking at where and when I can get more guided reading groups in so that kids are double-dipped.
Shared this resource with colleagues at my old school. Can't wait to see how they implement ideas
I am right there with you!
A1 I like that Evolving word as well. I have made so many changes this year in 3 weeks!
A4: It is my goal to connect my class globally this year. I wanted to last yr but was too overwhelmed by the new tech
A4 Looking forward to forming shared RTI groups to provide ss with what they need & deserve! https://t.co/FZ2FQF83Zl
A4 Also, looking at where and when I can get more guided reading groups in so that kids are double-dipped.
If I'm lucky I will have my class a week tomorrow. We have a different schedule than most.
How do you do it? Does each s get so many seconds?
I hope you can join this year. https://t.co/xKq7Tov4C8
A4: It is my goal to connect my class globally this year. I wanted to last yr but was too overwhelmed by the new tech
This was one of the reasons & I took on team teaching this year!
The last question of the night is coming up!
Start with blogs. So easy to use and easy to connect globally!
Is that new for you guys this year? The team teaching.
Q5 What advice would you give to a colleague who is feeling overwhelmed after the first few weeks of school?
Just honour, respect, and care for them. You've got this.
A5: BREATHE! You will get there!
Gr8 to be back with all of you Won't be able to join in for awhile. But for a good thing, off to my granddaughter's Bat Mitzvah
A3 I try and change "I can't" to "I don't know how yet" or "I need help
Do any of you do Mystery Number Skypes/GHOs or Global Read Aloud? I'm interested in connecting globally😊
Haha…I did a lot of that the first week! Breathing really helps. https://t.co/4axa8qQlhG
A5: BREATHE! You will get there!
We attempted a bit last yr for certain times, but this year we are all in. 41 kids each day!
A5 Take time for yourself. Get into nature. Breath. Or at least that's what I do for me. Return to what makes you happy.
Yes!! Would love to set something up! https://t.co/shneVnbtgL
Do any of you do Mystery Number Skypes/GHOs or Global Read Aloud? I'm interested in connecting globally😊
A5 Go slow now to go faster later:)
That sounds great! Hope it's very successful.
A5: Go slow, try something new, and connect to Twitter to find a great PLN for support!
A5: Stop and reflect. Good things are happening. Better things will come. Make goals and celebrate.
1 of my bldgs has requirement 4 classes 2b on Twitter. Hoping some Ts will try , & more https://t.co/JdmaZLVGoB
I hope you can join this year. https://t.co/xKq7Tov4C8
A4: It is my goal to connect my class globally this year. I wanted to last yr but was too overwhelmed by the new tech
A5: slowdown, breathe, and lean on your colleagues. They probably feel the same way.
A5 celebrate small success!
A5:It's much easier to take things slow at the start & gradually move on than to rush through things and backtrack. Breathe!!
Thank you! So far, so good! Added benefit of being able to manage behavior with proximity! :)
A5- take a deep breath , prioritize, and ask for help
A5: Do not take anything home. It will all be there for you the next day. Set parameters too! I do not email after 6:30 PM
I've done mystery # before. So much fun!
A5: Make a prioritized to do list and tackle it the best you can
A5: Take a breath. Take one day at a time. Somehow, it all gets done
Asking for help is really important! We are all still learning and growing. https://t.co/Sj1uXp5TGf
A5- take a deep breath , prioritize, and ask for help
A5: Make yourself a list/agenda & figure out your musts, want tos, & if have times. It's ok to say no & make time for recharging.
I signed up for Global Read Aloud, but haven't done it before.
Absolutely! Go slow now to go fast later. I say that all the time! Building a solid foundation is so key!
A5: 21 yrs of teaching I've learned we teach Ss, not subjects, relationships are most imp, ask for help & the rest will come!
I need to do this. Need to make some corrections now to help later! https://t.co/3B6BR80aFb
A5 Go slow now to go faster later:)
A5 Don't be afraid to slow down. You don't have to get to everything right away.
A5: take time to have FUN w/ your Ss
A5 Think of challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
My teammate and I do mystery number skypes .. our class Twitter is
A5: Prioritize. Ask if what you are spending time on will really benefit kids. Find time to laugh with your collegues.
thanks for the shared resource! I look forward to collaborating😊
A5: Stay connected to this PLN. They have so many great things going on to support and encourage you.
Yes! https://t.co/AwHZssrC3I
A5: 21 yrs of teaching I've learned we teach Ss, not subjects, relationships are most imp, ask for help & the rest will come!
A5 Investing time now, to save time later. We're laying the foundation for students to become independent.
Thank you participants for letting me learn with you. Thank you and for hosting.
Our class account is I look forward to connecting with you!
Thanks for a great chat! Dinner time! Have a great week everyone
friends...If you have an idea for a future chat topic, please contact or myself. We appreciate your input!
